"Empty Nest" by Geoffrey Philp

Her little boy had gone away.
So she searched his drawers for the lock of hair
After his first haircut in his grandfather’s chair

How he wailed when she crouched to pray
This would be the worst she’d ever have to bear.
Her little boy had gone away.

She had steeled herself for this day
But never imagined how her palms would sear
While brushing his face, the burn of his tears.
Her little boy had gone away.

***

I’ll be taking a break over the Easter holidays. Be back on Wednesday,
April 15, 2009.